The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1887-10-19
ANNUAL MEETING
OF the Planters Labor and Supply
Company.

The stockholders commenced their Sec
! ond days sitting at 8 O'Clock a. m. yester-
day. when, while waiting for some of the
| members, Mr.. j. NJ. Horner read paper
on g Coffee Culture" in which were some
valuable suggestions to planters and others
as regards labor, etc., required in its Guilt
walton. He also referred to the rumor
that extensive beet sugar industries were
about to be started in America and event
ually might interfere with the culture of
sugar in these Islands, in consequence of
which the attention OF planters must be
turned to other industries. He thought
that coffee would be the most profitable.
He also thought the Government might be
induced to subsidize this industry. In re-
gard to labor for picking the crop, he stated
that system might be adopted here which
prevails in the northwestern part of Amer
lea, where hops are extensively cultivated
There, when the crop is ready for harvest
ing labor socable is gotten up, and all
the Indians IN the vicinity are invited to
be present. They come in large numbers,
pick the hops, have good time, get plenty
to eat as well as being paid for their labor.
Consequently after the first year the In
dams and others look forward to hop-pick-
ing each year as time for general rejoic-
ing, and are always on hand. He thought
that the natives being of a social turn
could be got to pick coffee upon similar
terms. He referred to the acreage availa-
BILE for the cultivation of coffee, which he
considered greater than that available for
cane. He also referred to machinery for
the cleaning of coffee. which can be bought
for about $780, Such a machine can clean
about 200 or 800 tons of coffee during the
season. and another small machine at
cost of about $50, can be got that will clean
400 pounds of coffee day. In conclusion,
he wished to draw the attention of the
planters to this industry, inasmuch as
small families who may locate on land
under the Homestead Act, can have some
industry to pursue that will be profitable
to themselves, as under existing circum-
stances there is nothing they can do to sup
port themselves, and eventually they will
be a burden on the community.
Mr.. 7. r. Walker then read paper on
the same subject from Mr.. Forsyth, in
which he reviewed the advantages of soil
and climate OF these Islands for the Guilt
vatlOn of this valuable product. He also
referred to this industry in Guatemala, the
cost of production, etc. Other points were
discussed in regard to shade for coffee, and
he states that when shade trees are planted
for the protection of the plant great care
must be taken, as too much shade, except
in very dry hot places, is detrimental to
the growth and health of the plant.
After long discussion in regard to the
publication of the 6 Planters Monthly" a
committee of three, consisting of Messrs.
Spalding Jones and Walsh was appointed
to inquire into and make arrangements
conditionally for the continuance of the
publication, after which the meeting ad-
journed until 2 o'clock p. m.
On reassembling the meeting proceeded
to ballot for the election of trustees. The
ballot resulted. as follows: H. P. Baldwin,
ton, 9,200 votes each; w. 0. Smith, 9, 100;
q. M. Cooke, 8,845; 2. S. Spalding, 7,73O;
]. NJ. Lidgate, 7,185; F. A. Schaefer, $3.50.
The Chairman intimated that it would
be in order to discuss the report of the |
Committee on Labor, and this occupied the |
greater part of the afternoon, Colonel Spald- !
ing being the principal speaker.
Mr. Jones stated he had understood that |
certain responsible parties were prepared |
to introduce Portuguese laborers at $65 |
each the previous rate having been 800. !
No doubt arrangements could be made with |
the present Government to assist this |
project.
Mr.. Walsh moved that the trustees be in
ekr Sf
Government to import Portuguese from
time to time as may be needed.
Mr.. ]. M. Horner seconded the motion.
The general feeling appeared to be that !
it should first be ascertained what number |
would probably be required.
Mr.. Lidgate moved an amendment, that |
the trustees be instructed to confer with /
the Board of Immigration with regard to |
the importation of Portuguese and with |
regard to revision of contracts
Mr.. Jones seconded the amendment.
Colonel Spalding said the great trouble |
hitherto had been the Government bring
ing in labor without reference to practical |
business men, who understood the class of |
people required on the plantations.
At this stage Mr.. Smith pointed out that
MI AGnerCOn, VINO nad Deen elected trus-
tee, was also member of the Board of
immigration, and inquired if this would be
thought inconsistent.
Colonel Spalding thought it an advantage
rather than otherwise
After long discussion the amendment
carried.
The trustees meet at 9 o'clock this morn
ing, and the stockholders will afterward !
continue the annual session.